Chapter 9
Chapter 9
The next morning, I stood staring at my closet full of clothes Daniel had given me, rubbing my forehead with a wry smile.
Which one was his favorite?
I tried to recall his expression each time he’d given me a gift, but couldn’t single one out.
He seemed to only care whether I liked them or not.
Three hours later, I finally made my choice.
An elegant blue off–shoulder dress, perfect for showcasing the Heart of the Ocean necklace.
Daniel had offered to pick me up, but I declined.
I wanted to go alone and surprise him.
To show him through actions, not words, that I appreciated all his gifts–every single one.
Just as I was about to enter the venue, I spotted Jake.
I tried to hurry past, but he grabbed my wrist.
I instinctively pulled away, then eyed him cautiously.
“What are you doing here?!”
My reaction visibly hurt Jake.
“Emma, I’ve been searching everywhere for you. Look, I know I messed up big time. Can we just talk? Give me one
more chance.”
“I was an idiot for letting Madison get in my head all these years.”
“Stop it, save your words! I don’t need your explanations, and I definitely don’t need to see you again. We’re history,
Jake. Do us both a favor and stay out of my life.”
Jake wasn’t ready to give up. He pulled out a gift box from behind his back.
It contained another piece from the Heart of the Ocean collection.
This was the kind of luxury item most coveted by high–society women.
When I was younger, I used to dream that if I worked hard enough, I might one day own jewelry like that.
Now, within two days, I had two men offering it to me.
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Chapter 9
Jake got down on one knee, holding out a ring.
“Emina, marry me. I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you.”
“Please, just give me one more chance.”
Before I could even turn him down, Daniel rushed over and wrapped his arm around me, marking his territory.
“Mr. Parker, trying to steal my girl on my property seems a bit inappropriate, don’t you think?”
His girl? I nestled against his chest, unable to hide my smile.
With Daniel’s intervention, Jake pocketed the ring and stood up, glaring at Daniel with hostility.
“What do you mean, ‘your girl‘?”
Jake’s voice was filled with rage.
“She’s my girlfriend.”
“I am not. We broke up ages ago,” I cut in.
Hearing this, Daniel looked Jake up and down with an amused expression, definitely noticing the ring in his hand.
“An Harry Winston ring? I remember bidding against you for the Heart of the Ocean at that auction, Mr. Parker. I knew with your resources, I couldn’t possibly outbid you–yet you dropped out at twenty million. You prefer the diamond ring instead?”
Daniel’s words shocked me. Twenty million? This necklace cost twenty million dollars?!
Daniel was seriously reckless with money.
“Are you crazy? Buying something that expensive for me?”
Daniel reassuringly patted my hand.
“Because you’re worth it.”
Jake noticed the necklace around my neck.
That Heart of the Ocean–he had originally planned to buy it for me.
But twenty million? It wasn’t that he couldn’t afford it; he just instinctively felt I wasn’t worth it.
Or perhaps he thought the diamond ring would be enough to win me back.
After all, marrying him had once been my greatest wish.
Jake stared at the scene before him, staggering slightly.
The thing he wouldn’t spend on me, someone else gladly would.
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Chapter 9
He had lost completely.
People always fantasize about what they can’t have.
Jake’s voice cracked with emotion.
“Emma, I didn’t mean to keep your money. Remember when you said you wanted to marry me and save up for your own dowry? I was afraid you couldn’t save enough, so I tried to help. I never intended to take what was yours.”
“I truly love you. I’ll give you something even better than the Heart of the Ocean…”
Daniel pulled me behind him protectively, looking at Jake with contempt.
“Mr. Parker, I know about your history with Emma. I’ve avoided mentioning it because I didn’t want to upset her. But if you truly loved her, you wouldn’t have constantly suspected her of being a gold digger.”
“Even with someone poisoning your relationship, the auction proved you don’t love her.”
“When I give Emma gifts, I expect nothing in return. Her happiness is all that matters, regardless of cost. All I want is that moment of joy when she receives something special.”
“You couldn’t do that. You valued money too much.”
“When you love someone, you give them your best. You never did.”
Daniel’s words hit Jake like hammer blows to the heart.
Seeing how tightly I held Daniel’s hand, Jake finally understood.
I would never return to him.
I would never forgive him.
“Jake, I don’t love you anymore.”
“Because of you, I lost so much.”
“My mother. My friends. My career. I’ve suffered enough. If you feel any guilt at all, just leave me alone.”
“Having you in my life would honestly make me sick.”
With that, I turned away, pulling Daniel with me without looking back.
Jake watched me walk away.
Tears fell from his eyes uncontrollably.
He reached out as if to grab me, but I was already too far gone.
Pain and suffocation washed over him.
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Chapter 9
“Emma, I’m… I’m sorry.”
Daniel glanced back at Jake’s broken, sobbing figure with mixed emotions.
After walking a bit further with Daniel, he suddenly took the lead, gripping my hand and guiding me.
“Didn’t I promise to take your photo?”
I followed him, confused about where we were heading.
When he finally stopped, I peered around him.
A whole field of camellias stretched before us.
“How did you know I like-”
“Emma, will you be my girlfriend?”
We spoke at the same time, his voice drowning out mine.
Who confesses like that out of nowhere?!
My face turned bright red.
“I really do like you, Emma. I’ll treat you well, I promise. Will you give me a chance?”
“How did you know I love camellias? I never told you that.” I asked, puzzled.
“You always wear that camellia–scented perfume, and you have some planted in your yard.”
“But I have other flowers in my yard too,” I pressed.
“Yes, but no matter what you’re doing, you always face toward the camellias. They’re the ones you take the best care of. And when you’re upset, you fiddle with them.”
This seemingly tough guy was actually so observant.
I smiled softly, responding:
“If your photos of me turn out good, I might consider giving you a chance.”
“Really?”
Daniel grabbed both my hands excitedly.
“Sure thing!!”
